My newest and littlest charge is an absolute delight.
I did not know that babies can see angels. It makes sense, though. Since they have not been long in the world, their spirits remember some of the things of heaven. When I first came down to meet Joanna, she was just waking up from a nap, but her heavy eyes opened on my arrival, and she smiled and reached for me. I was worried that she would be afraid, but even if she could see my fierce expression, she knew that I was there to protect her. She knew it, as surely as she knows her parents. It is truly amazing.
She is such a sweet little girl, with rounded cheeks and dimpled hands. And though her aura is still cloudy, still forming, I can see the kindness in it, the tendency to care for others and give warmth. I would not need Simmah to tell me that she is going to be lovely.
Her family can see it, too. Her parents, Mariah and Lucas, live with Mariah’s mother in a big, beautiful house. This is not out of need, but rather a sincere closeness among all three adults. Christy and Mariah have always been close, and she and Lucas are good friends—it was actually through her that Lucas met Mariah. So with Mariah’s father gone and Christy’s other children at a great distance, she invited the little family to live with her, to keep her company in the house where she grew up. All three orbit around Joanna, showering her with love and going out of their way to make certain that she has a family that values honesty and kindness and openness.
A beautiful home full of history, a family full of love and thoughtfulness—it is no wonder that this child has a good future. Part of me is dismayed that such a child would be in danger even here, but the brightest light casts the darkest shadow if only one stands in its way.
I mean to be prepared, whenever the attack should come. I have been relieved of my patrols for now, so I will use that time to familiarize myself with Joanna’s entire environment. I will scout the whole neighborhood, look closely at all of the family friends and acquaintances, and check for any possible dangers in her home. It is my goal to know any possible approach that a Fallen might take to get to this child. Maybe I will ask for Orison or Anathalie to take a look as well. Every precaution must be taken, for I could not bear to lose this little light.
But I will not let fear keep me from enjoying her. I think I will go back down and sing into her dreams.